MEMORIAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
Thursday, May 4th, 2006 6:30 PM Holderness Library
In attendance: Pat Ford, Ed Ford, Barb Currier, Tom Thompson, Harry Decker, Russell Moren, Sandy Ray
Sherry Gould, and from the library board of directors, Sue Beeson and Todd Elgin
As previously arranged, the two groups gathered at the library to position styrofoam mock ups of the proposed memorial stones in various locations to determine the best one. Four sites were identified as potential locations.
Around the flag pole
More or less parallel to Rt. 113
Site of the present monument
On the east side of the building (parking lot side)
The library board members present asked if the sizes of the actual stones could be altered by making all of them 10’’ shorter and by widening the middle stone to provide visual interest and impact.
After approximately 1 hour the memorial committee removed to the town hall. The mock ups were transported there to be set up in order to view them at that site. Ed Ford and Pat Ford indicated that since the committee had voted to work with the library as the preferred location for the memorial and since no vote had been taken about revisiting the town hall as a possible site that it was inappropriate to pursue viewing the mock ups at the town hall at that time. Chairperson Decker deferred to their point and the group moved inside to convene the business meeting.
The meeting was called to order at 7:57 PM.
Fd Ford reported that Peter Fortier, who works with the military archives of the Adjutant General’s office in Concord, has suggested that using the bonus listing dates pertaining to the beginning and ending of each war or conflict would be less confusing and more consistent with what the state uses. Barbaara Currier moved, Harry Decker seconded, and the vote was unanimous (7-0) in favor of revising the proposed criteria
to incorporate the bonus listing dates as suggested above.
Ed Ford presented the form that has been generated to use in verifying a veteran’s wartime service. Harry Decker moved, Barbara Currier seconded, and the vote was unanimous (7-0) in favor of approving the
form.
The revised dates for the mass mailing and the newspaper notices are June 17th for the mailing and notices on June 18th, 20th, 21st, & 25th.
Ed Ford reported that Alicia Abbott, the web master for the town site, is creating a space on the website where the list of names can be reviewed by the public.
The letter that has been created for the Grange’s mass mailing was presented by Ed Ford.
Barbara Currier presented a check from the Masons (fraternal order) for $200.00 as a donation towards the memorial project. She suggested that this donation could be worked into a photo opportunity to coincide with the mailing and newspaper notices to help promote the project. It was agreed to give Ed Ford the check and he will follow up on that suggestion.
Ed Ford mentioned that the Grange is considering running notices about the project in large metropolitan newspapers. The cost may be prohibitive. It is thought that perhaps the papers may have a public service policy that would allow the notices to be featured at no charge.
The mock memorial stones will be delivered by Tom Thompson to the library on the morning of May 10th so that all library board members will be able to view the potential locations.
A question arose about the procedure for the project once the committee submits its proposal to the select board. Barbara Currier agreed to bring the subject to the next select board meeting. The answer should be available for the next Memorial Committee meeting.
Ed Ford moved, Pat Ford seconded, a motion to choose 1or 2 sites to present to the library board on May 10th. Discussion followed and the motion was withdrawn.
Sandy Ray asked for the status of the site issue given that more information has come forth as the project has advanced. She asked if the result of the previous vote (6-1in favor) of focusing on the library as the preferred site is the last word. Chairperson Decker expressed his opinion that at this time the previous vote in favor of the library location stands. However, should a committee member feel there is reason to reconsider the vote in light of new knowledge, that person may put forth a motion to reconsider.
The date of the next meeting is Thursday, June 1st, 2006 at 6:30 PM at the town hall.
Ed Ford moved, Pat Ford seconded, and the vote was unanimous (7-0) in favor of holding over the review of the minutes of the April 5th meeting until the June 1st meeting due to the late hour and the unusual schedule of this meeting.
Ed Ford moved, Pat Ford seconded, and the vote was unanimous (7-0) in favor of adjourning at 9:03 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sandy Ray
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